Background: Epilepsy is a common neurologic disorder that occurs as frequent seizures. This study investigates the awareness and perception on epilepsy amongst Ardabil Medical university staff and students in Ardabil province, Iran.
Methodology: In this cross-sectional study, 151 staff and medical students in Ardabil Medical university, Ardabil province, Iran, filled out an investigator designed questionnaire including questions about their knowledge and attitude concerning epilepsy. There were 17 questions in the questionnaire. Nine questions addressed the knowledge and the rest were about attitude and perception.
Results: 151 samples completed the questionnaires. Most of participants had proper awareness about the definition about epilepsy; whereas, approximately 93.4% had heard about the term epilepsy. Most of participants had a positive attitude towards epilepsy; however, misconceptions and negative attitudes were observed.
Conclusion: Results showed that the awareness of participants about the etiology of epilepsy and their attitude was in moderate level, hence, educational programs by health centers for increasing the people awareness and attitudes about epilepsy is essential.
Key words: Attitude, Knowledge, Epilepsy, Ardabil
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